I was born in Poonch (Kashmir) and now I live in Norway. I oppose war and violence and am a firm believer in the peaceful co-existence of all nations and peoples. In my academic work I have tried to espouse the cause of the weak and the oppressed in a world dominated by power politics, misleading propaganda and violations of basic human rights. I also believe that all conscious members of society have a moral duty to stand for and further the cause of peace and human rights throughout the world.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

PAKISTAN: Why is General Kiyani dictating Islamic ideology as the basis of the country?

Editor’s note: Islam
is a religion, not a political ideology. As a religion in this age, it
should be a private matter for any believing Muslim, not a political
package or venal commodity for rich shoppers or crafty manipulation by
the power elites and clerics. Mr Jinnah
did not strive for a theocratic state in Pakistan; his aim was to have a
democratic state where all people were free to practise their religions
(Pakistan has many religions). That meant no state religion in
Pakistan. Maudoodi and Zia’s pontifications have little to do with that
objective – the objective of a democratic egalitarian state.

Nasir Khan, Editor

————————————————The General should be prosecuted for betraying his oath as a member of the Armed Forces

Just twenty days before the general elections the Chief of Army Staff
(COAS), General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, has come out with a policy
statement which gives the political views of the Army. The statement was
delivered with the express intention of getting elections results in
favour of the fundamentalists, Jihadis and their supporting parties.
While addressing the assembled troops at the passing out parade of 127th
PMA Long Course, 46th Integrated Course and the first Mujahid Course at
the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, he said that since Islam was
the basis of Pakistan’s creation, it can never be separated from the
body politic. He categorically emphasised this point when he said, “Let
me remind you that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and Islam
can never be taken out of Pakistan. However, Islam should always remain a
unifying force. I assure you that regardless of the odds, the Pakistan
Army will keep on doing its best towards our common dream for a truly
Islamic Republic of Pakistan”.